Merc treats SLK to mid-life upgrade

Some four years after the launch of its current-generation SLK, Mercedes-Benz has waved the freshen-up wand over the hard-hatted roadster -- and the result is a car that's claimed to be faster, more frugal and "more intense".

Although not hugely different to the naked eye (more here), Mercedes claims the MY2008 SLK gains about 650 newly developed parts. It goes on sale in Europe in April, which suggests we should see it here around mid-year.

Key visual enhancements include new-look front and rear sections as well as a revamped interior with a new instrument cluster and three-spoke sports steering wheel.

But the big news is under the bonnet, especially where the volume-selling SLK 350 is concerned. Its 3.5-litre V6 has been comprehensively worked over to yield robust outputs of 224 kW and 360Nm -- improvements of 24kW and 10Nm respectively.

Merc says this result was achieved by raising the engine speed limit to 6800 rpm; it can even be increased to 7200 rpm for a brief period -- oil temperature and other engine parameters permitting. Other changes include a higher compression ratio, a new intake manifold and an extensively modified valve train.

Its maker is also boasting of "powerful sports-engine acoustics with a strikingly emotive sound design when decelerating". In combination with the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, the engine management system also blips the throttle automatically during downshifts.

The entry-level SLK 200 also gains more oomph as the four-cylinder supercharged engine now ekes out 135kW and 250Nm -- hikes of 15kW and 10Nm respectively.

The range-topping SLK 55 AMG is more or less untouched as its familiar 5.5-litre V8 powerplant still develops 265kW and 510Nm. Interestingly, Merc hasn't opted to slot in the new high-revving 6.2-litre V8 installed in the AMG variants of the C, CLK, CL, E, SL and ML model ranges.

Also new for the 2008 SLK is the optional (standard for the SLK 55 AMG) 'direct steering system' with variable steering assistance. As per BMW's Active Steering, the steering gear ratio changes in tune with the steering angle, which means there's less wheel twirling involved when negotiating tight car parks.

Conversely, the steering ratio becomes less direct at/around the central position so that the car doesn't feel nervous and darty on the highway.

Visually, the updated SLK has a more pronounced arrow shape -- to strengthen the ties with the almost-world-champion McLaren Merc F1 team -- while the tweaked rear end gains a diffuser-style lower section. Also new are trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes and the AMG-inspired darkened tail lights.

Mercedes says particular attention was paid to optimising the interior to make it more driver-oriented. The centrepieces are a new three-spoke sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons and a new instrument cluster with "captivating" dial surrounds.

The SLK has been a huge hit for Mercedes-Benz, with global sales now approaching the half-million mark. When launched in 1997, the first-generation SLK was the only car on the market with a folding steel roof -- prompting a horde of me-too copycats over the ensuing years.

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